The Problem with Seniority-Only Layoffs
When school districts face budget cuts, they often turn to teacher layoffs as a last resort. In Connecticut, these decisions are typically guided by "last-in, first-out" (LIFO) policies that ignore students’ needs.
How it works:
The most recently hired teachers are laid off first, regardless of their skills, the subjects they teach, or the students and schools they serve.
Why it matters now:
Rising costs, declining enrollment, and the end of federal COVID-19 relief funding mean more Connecticut districts are considering layoffs in the upcoming years.
What’s At Risk
Connecticut has invested heavily over the past decade in recruiting teachers who reflect the diverse backgrounds and speak the languages of the students they serve, while filling critical shortage areas and the highest-needs schools. Research shows that when students are taught by high-quality teachers who share more in common with them, they're more likely to complete high school and go to college. Seniority-only policies threaten progress by systematically removing the very teachers that Connecticut has worked so hard to recruit.
Why Seniority Alone Doesn't Work
Seniority matters, but it shouldn't be the only factor. Years of service reflect commitment and experience, and should remain a key consideration. But in difficult budget moments, decisions should consider the full impact on students.
The research is clear. Studies conducted during the 2007-2009 Great Recession show that when districts considered multiple factors alongside seniority, they kept more effective teachers and minimized harm to student achievement. Seniority-only policies ignore teacher effectiveness, critical shortage areas, and high-need school staffing.
Connecticut Can Do Better
State law already allows it. Connecticut statute permits districts to consider factors beyond seniority—and some already do:
Vernon weighs seniority (75%) alongside credentials, experience, and performance (25%)
Danbury considers certification, service length, evaluations, and system needs
Nearly half of U.S. states use multiple factors, including performance, linguistic ability, and specialized training
But most districts in Connecticut don't use this flexibility.
Major districts like New Haven and Bridgeport still default to seniority first.
What Modernization Looks Like
When districts must make difficult decisions, they should consider multiple factors, such as:
Critical shortage areas (special education, ESL, STEM)
School-specific staffing needs, especially for high-needs schools
Linguistic ability or other special training and experience
Teacher effectiveness (measured through CT's evaluation systems)
Years of service
This isn't about taking away seniority. It's about giving districts flexibility to meet local needs and consider the full picture when making tough decisions.
The Path Forward
Full funding first.
Connecticut must fully fund schools so layoffs become rare, not routine.
Smart policy always.
When cuts are unavoidable, modernized policies work to protect veteran educators and the progress Connecticut has made in building a high-quality, diverse workforce.
Take Action
Outdated layoff policies threaten to erase Connecticut’s progress. You can help protect the teachers our students need most.